Founded in 1209, the University of Cambridge is a unique learning institution that led the way in several areas. Located in a quaint England town, it has grown to become one of the top institutes in the country. It has several high-acceptance rate colleges housing almost 900 students. Likewise, this institute provides various degrees, from clinical medicine to the arts and humanities. Beyond its rich history, it pulls scholars from 145 nations, including notable figures such as Sir Isaac Newton. However, the biggest obstacle to admission is the University of Cambridge acceptance rate, which is very high.
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University of Cambridge Acceptance Rate
This article covers the University of Cambridge acceptance rate, including yearly, subject, campus and other rates.
Year Wise Acceptance Rate
The yearly acceptance rate of this university changes compared to other institutes.
For 2024
The University of Cambridge acceptance rate ranges from 20% to 21%. It’s important to know about the barriers to entry that come with applying here. Notably, there is a special restriction. A student may only apply here or at Oxford, and their application may only be sent to five UK institutes in a single academic year.
For 2021-23
During this tenure, the institute accepted around 21,000 requests yearly. Although more than 22% of the forms were submitted, only 17% were approved. Despite the increase in forms, the institute selected students, taking only the best.
For 2019-20
Many students applied during these two years, showing a steady rise in admissions. However, the request rate rose to 23%. The range of approval rates, which was 18.2% to 19.6%, was still competitive.
Subject-Wise Acceptance Rate
There are a few most notable courses offered here.
For Natural Sciences
The previous year, the Natural Sciences had an acceptance rate of 22.4%. It indicates that although an offer rate was 25.6%, only a few requests were dismissed. Despite their popularity, these rates are comparatively high. Thus, it shows that the most competitive courses aren’t usually the best.
For Engineering
This program was more viable, with 2,410 forms. Its offer rate was 15.4%, and its acceptance rate was 13.8%. However, 90% of offer holders accepted the positions despite the fewer offers.
For Medicine
With 1,754 requests, this subject had a 16.4% offer rate and a 15.6% acceptance rate. Despite being highly competitive, it’s not the hardest subject. Further, its success rate exceeds greater than Oxford’s 8.7% rate for Medicine.
For Maths
There were 1,600 entries submitted in maths. So, 33.0% were offered positions, and 16.2% were approved. Only 260 seats were filed despite having the highest offer rate. Thus, a major gap exists between offers and actual approvals.
For Computer Sciences
Computer Science had the lowest acceptance and offer rates of any course, at 7.6% and 9.3%. Its selectivity makes it the toughest degree, though it receives fewer forms than Natural Sciences.
Other Subjects
With an admission rate of 50.4%, Modern & Historic Studies were the least competitive. At the same time, Cognitive Sciences had the highest acceptance rate, i.e., 9.1%. Some courses, such as Law, Chemistry, & Biology, had an apparent decline in applicants. So, it shows their erratic level of demand.
Campus Wise Acceptance Rates
Murray Edwards of this university tops the list with an acceptance rate of 35%. It is ahead of Homerton and Robinson at more than 30%. On the other hand, acceptance rates to top colleges such as Trinity, King’s, and St John’s range from 8% to 20%, according to the subject.
Course-Based Acceptance Rates
CS, PBS, Economics, Land Economy, and HSPS are the most selective courses, with low offer and approval rates. Likewise, as there are fewer requests, Modern Languages, Anglo-Saxon, Norse & Celtic, Fossil Research, Music, and Classics have greater entry and offer rates.
STEM vs. Humanities
The university had a lower acceptance rate of 15.0% for STEM degrees, with 55.6% of students and 50.4% of approvals for them. Further, humanities courses had a higher acceptance rate of 18.5%, which shows their higher demand, with 44.0% of entrants and 49.6% of admissions.
State Vs. Private School
State schools accounted for 68.4% of applicants and 69.3% of approvals, yielding a 20.0% acceptance rate. With a rate of 20.4%, applicants to private schools made up 26.2% of approvals. This suggests a closer contest between the two sectors.
Foreign Applications
The admission rates for foreign applicants vary yearly. The countries with the highest rates were New Zealand, Romania, and Japan, with 24%—25%. On the other hand, Pakistan had the lowest rates, 1.6%, along with Italy and France. Thus, the total approval rate for overseas students was 10.9%. However, there were more applicants from nations such as China.
Entrance And Enrollment
Cambridge University seeks students with high academic records. The criteria vary depending on the course and college. Further, forms require a CV and a personal statement. The ELP scores and admission fees change each year.
In addition, you need two to three reference letters and details about the job history. Keep an eye on the admission date and form submission deadlines. These dates are critical for a fair evaluation of the student’s status.
Tips for Admission
Ensure your subjects match the degree you want to take and that your grades are always above average. You can write a strong personal statement focusing on your interest in the position. Do well on entrance exams and writing tasks to show your academic abilities. Add your hobbies, volunteer work, and job expertise to present a balanced application.
The Bottom Line
The University of Cambridge acceptance rate is quite tough. Only 34% of applicants are accepted for master’s studies and 18–19% for majors. Subject and college-specific rates differ notably from medicine to law. In addition, academic and social services are provided by the institute. Apart from all this, the tough entry criteria should not deter you as the tutors can assist. The skilled coaches and advisors here assist students in getting offers from top colleges.
FAQs on the University of Cambridge Acceptance Rate
How is this institute compared to other UK institutes?
This institute has a longtime rival, Oxford. Both academies have equal graduate entrance rates of 13% to 16%. Every university receives more than 20,000 forms yearly. It shows that about 85% of prospects are turned down.
Is this institute better than Harvard?
Harvard may have a slight edge in status, mainly within the US. But this institute is also well regarded abroad. Its academic domain, success, and personal goals will lead to your after-degree job chances.
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